Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience BS degree

Program overview

The BS degree in biotechnology and molecular bioscience prepares students to immediately assume challenging positions in research, development, and management in the field of biotechnology. Students are also well-prepared for positions in the fields of plant biotechnology, human genetics, agriculture, food products, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, environment and energy, forensic science, and genetic counseling.

The advanced nature of the third- and fourth-year courses, as well as the opportunity to participate in faculty-sponsored undergraduate research, provide a sound foundation to those students wishing to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. The major also can be designed to include the education necessary for the pursuit of a career in a medical field.

Cooperative education

The major provides students with the option of participating in cooperative education. More than 65 organizations in industry, government, and academia employ biology students in full-time paid positions directly related to students’ academic areas of interest. Co-op positions can be held during the summer and/or during the regular academic year. Tuition is not charged while a student is on co-op. If a student elects to pursue a co-op during the regular academic year, they may need to extend the date of graduation beyond the traditional four years.

Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only

Effective fall 2013, RIT converted its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.

Program overview

The BS degree in molecular bioscience and biotechnology prepares students to immediately assume challenging positions in research, development, and management in biotechnology. Students are also well-prepared for positions in the fields of plant biotechnology, human genetics, agriculture, food products, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, environment and energy, forensic science, and genetic counseling.

The advanced nature of the third- and fourth-year courses, as well as the opportunity to participate in faculty-sponsored undergraduate research, provides a sound foundation to those graduates wishing to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.

The program also can be designed to include the education necessary for the pursuit of a career in a medical field.

Cooperative education

This program provides students the option of participating in cooperative education. More than 65 organizations in industry, government, and academia employ our students in full-time paid positions directly related to students’ academic areas of interest. Co-op positions can be held during the summer and/or during the regular academic year. Tuition is not charged while a student is on co-op. If a student elects to pursue a co-op during the regular academic year, they may need to extend the date of graduation beyond the traditional four years.

*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.

†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

‡If a student elects to participate in our co-op program, she or he may be scheduling courses in a fifth year but will be using the same number of academic quarters of classes to complete the degree.

Bioinformatics option

Bioinformatics is a developing field that represents a marriage between biotechnology and computer technologies. The field encompasses all aspects of the application of computer technologies to biological data. This option includes curriculum that features a combination of science and biotechnology courses with computer science courses to help students organize, link, analyze, and visualize complex sets of biological data.

*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.

†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.

‡If a student elects to participate in our co-op program, she or he may be scheduling courses in a fifth year but will be using the same number of academic quarters of classes to complete the degree.

Concentrations/Electives

Upper-division elective courses suggested for students interested in certain sub-disciplines of agriculture/plant, environmental, industrial, and medical biotechnology. Students may select courses from any suggested concentrations.